We have been to large wineries that seem more like factories. Pay $5 for a tasting, move to a tasting station, taste wines, move to the shop, purchase wines and you are back on your tour bus to the next winery.
We have been to small family wineries with great wines, discussions of what lead the owners to wine making and pleasant spots to enjoy their wine.
We have even been to a winery that wasnt officially opened yet.
With Joshua Farm and Vineyard in Lubbock, TX our visit felt more like meeting up with old friends who happen to make wine.
Our gps took us right to the farm that was on a dirt road. We had some confusion about where the entrance was to to the winery. It is a small ranch house with an old truck out front.We went up to the front door of the house. The owners sons and dogs lead us to the tasting room on the dirt driveway to the right of the house.
Charisse met us outside as she was saying goodbye to a couple from Hobbs, NM who were regular customers.
As we sat and started talking one of their sons brought a tray with corn chips and goat cheese dip.
We found the Pinot Gris taste was different. The meads or honey wines were very tasty. Ted also had a red that he was experimenting with. The initial taste was odd but it did improve as it breathed. With the right food it seems like it would be great.
As we sat we talked about the wines and their farm. We drifted into talking about our lives and the paths that have brought to where we are.
We also drifted into some of those taboo subjects too such as politics and religion. It was refreshing to have an adult conversation on subjects where we could have different opinions but still respect each other.
I had said that our stop here was like visiting old friends. We arrived a little before 6pm. When we left it was after 9.
So if you are in Lubbock, head out to the Joshua Farm and Vineyard, try some wine and make some new friends.